Showing 1-96 of 580 items found in Arts & Culture

Winner of the Broadway in Chicago 2013 Emerging Theater Award and named Chicago Magazine's Best Emerging Theater of 2013, 16th Street Theater presents award-winning new plays at affordable prices. A nationally-recognized professional Equity theater, 16th Street is a program of the North Berwyn Park District and operates year round out of the Berwyn Cultural Center just 9 miles west of downtown Chicago. Come engage with us!

360 Chicago's (formerly John Hancock Observatory) epic new attraction that will forever change the way visitors see Chicago. TILT debuts in the spring of 2014, providing the ultimate window to the Windy City. A one-of-a-kind experience, TILT is an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once safely situated inside, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago – from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile®. TILT gives thrill-seekers an exciting and safe way to take in unsurpassable views of the city, from a never-before-seen angle. Check website for opening dates and hours.

The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum was founded in 1995 by Dr. Lyn Hughes. The facility is located in the Historic Pullman District in Chicago Illinois. The facility is named after men who made history - Asa Philip Randolph and Pullman Porters, the men who made up the membership of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) union. Randolph was the chief organizer and co-founder of the BSCP, the first African-American labor union in the country to win a collective bargaining agreement. Under Randolph's leadership, the Pullman Porters fought a valiant battle for employment equality with the corporate giant, the Pullman Rail Car Company.

Adlai Stevenson II was an important and influential figure in the political history of the United States. Stevenson was Governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953 and ran twice for President as the Democratic National Candidate in 1952 and 1956. He also served as Ambassador to the United Nations from 1961 - 1965. The grounds are open daily for self-guided tours. The peaceful setting allows visitors to experience the historic landscape similar to when the family lived in the house. The house has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Group tours can be arranged through the Forest Preserves - 847-968-3422.

The Adler Planetarium — America's First Planetarium — was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler. The museum is home to three full-size theaters, extensive space science exhibitions, and one of the world's most important antique astronomical instrument collections on display. The Adler is a recognized leader in science education, with a focus on inspiring young people, particularly women and minorities, to pursue careers in science.

Adventure Stage Chicago creates dynamic and transformative theatre for young audiences that activates the imagination, inspires dialogue and strengthens community among families, educators and artists.

This facility is home field to DePaul basketball, Chicago Wolves hockey and the Chicago Rush arena football. With a wide variety of events each year, the Allstate Arena is a place where everyone can enjoy quality family shows, riveting sports and mesmerizing musical performances.

Offers sightseeing tours in more than 150 destinations on six continents and is widely recognized as the world's leader in sightseeing tours, ground transportation, charter service, airport transfers, and convention services.

Showcasing the largest collection of Toby and Character Jugs in the world including many rare and unique jugs within the complete Royal Doulton collection. On display are over 6,000 pieces illustrating their evolution from inception circa 1765 to the present day. Admission is free.

Discover the gay-friendly shops and restaurants of Andersonville, then head to Edgewater to see Art Deco and Tudor Revival architecture in the Bryn Mawr Historic District. Tours depart from the Chicago Cultural Center.

A spacious, sophisticated saloon atmosphere, a deliciously varied menu and Chicago's finest Live Jazz! Dining is delightfully casual, served with Live Jazz steps from Michigan Avenue, rub shoulders with celebs and jazz buffs from around the world. Andy's renown is international.

This cool rock and roll bar, co-owned by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz (a Chicago native), boasts over-sized celebrity mug shots adorning its walls. Stop in and croon on the karaoke stage with a live band or dance to the DJ-driven music.

For 25 years, The Annoyance Theatre has created some of Chicago's finest comedy. Home of the longest running musical Co-ed Prison Sluts, The Annoyance uses improvisation to create new and original plays, musicals, sketch-comedy and more, in a vibrant, uncensored atmosphere.

The city’s second-tallest building, located at 200 E. Randolph St., rises 82 floors. Interestingly, the structure was first clad entirely in marble, but the slabs turned out to be too thin and were later replaced with thicker slabs of white granite.

The Apollo Theater in Chicago is a lush venue with a prestigious reputation located in the fashionable Lincoln Park Theatre District. Its repertiore includes a fresh blend of comedies, musicals and special events.

Built in 1926, this historic ballroom quickly became Chicago's premier place for world-renowned live entertainment. Its unique architecture, design and ambiance have made it a multiuse facility that often hosts live concerts.

Enjoy a 75-minute Chicago River tour led by our experienced and entertaining guides. Discover why Chicago is known as the birthplace of the skyscraper as you cruise by more than 40 world-famous landmarks. Day and evening departures from two convenient locations: Gateway Park at Navy Pier and the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

At Arlington International, we aim to make every day of the season special by combining the excitement of thoroughbred racing, gorgeous grounds and fantastic food to create a winning track experience for our guests! Whether you're looking for a fun and exciting day out with friends and family, a casual and charming afternoon at the races, or a sophisticated and stylish get-together, Arlington International offers an extraordinary experience for everyone! Live racing and entertainment May 3 - September 29, 2013.

Architectural award-winning Main Library features extensive contemporary art collection and Art Gallery with rotating exhibits by local artists. Free one-hour art appreciation tours are offered on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Located in the Oak Park Arts District, we feature contemporary folk art, found object art and fine crafts created primarily with vintage, re-used, reworked, recycled and reclaimed materials. You will find truly unique, eco-friendly, "green" art and artful objects for yourself or for gift giving created by Lisa Nordstrom and other intriguing artists. Visit our website for current exhibits and special events.

The second-largest art museum in the United States is home to more than 300,000 works of art, including “American Gothic” by Grant Wood, Edward Hopper's “Nighthawks” and more. Renowned for its rare master works, at The Art Institute visitors can experience one of the world’s most notable collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. With the addition of its Modern Wing, the museum now features an impressive showcase for its contemporary artworks.

ARTrevolution is a new gallery venue in the Pilsen neighborhood. We are located at 600 W. Cermak, 10 minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from McCormick Place, just east of Halsted Street. With 6500 sq. ft. of open space it is a unique venue for your special event. ARTrevolution has hardwood floors, brick walls, 14 ft. wood beamed ceilings and 2 walls of windows allowing for lots of natural light. We have original art with track lighting, black chandeliers, 2 flat screen TV’s and the ability to project onto an 8 ft. x 12 ft. AV screen. The building has ample parking conveniently surrounding it. Our capacity for a stand up cocktail party is 400 guests. Sit down dinner is 250-300 guests. We have additional space available for a ceremony, pre-function or meetings that can be added to your rental under one roof. Host your next special event at ARTrevolution.

The Attic Playhouse strives to showcase a broad spectrum of theatre as an art form by producing classic plays, small musicals, one-acts, improvisational and skit comedies and theatre for young audiences. Special attention is given to producing original scripts and encouraging new talent. At least one production a year is dedicated to these original works.

The Auditorium Building original configuration combined a theater seating, a four-hundred-room hotel, and 136 offices and stores. The hotel lobby with a notable interior is now Roosevelt University. The Auditorium Building is one of the best-known designs of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975 and it was designated a Chicago Landmark on September 15, 1976.

The historic landmark Auditorium Theatre, an architectural masterpiece designed by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, opened in 1889. The Auditorium, which regularly hosts live performances, is renowned for its amazing acoustics.

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.

Intimate, upscale atmosphere - Chicago's finest live entertainment venue. The Back Room entertains Chicago with live band music 7 nights a week, two shows a night! They also offer a light food menu, dancing, late night music on the weekends, and top notch service.
For over 45 years The Back Room has been the place to go if you are looking for an incredible evening of live music. Guests enter down a long brick alleyway where they are greeted by our host and led into our Showcase Lounge. Our host can accommodate groups of all sizes at our lounge tables or if you’d prefer to be up and dancing you can find a spot at the bar.
Every night you can expect the very best in Jazz along with an incredible mix of Motown; R&B; Funk; Adult Contemporary and some down home Chicago Blues! All of your favorite music under one roof, performed live 7 nights a week in an intimate upscale atmosphere that guarantees an unforgettable night.
If you’re looking for a fun, lively venue for late night dancing head to the Back Room after 1am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when the music continues with your favorite Top 40 and hip hop classics! There’s no reason the party has to stop when the bands do!

This action film centers on two feuding firefighter brothers who battle Chicago blazes and an arsonist on the loose. Many of the extras used in the movie were actual Chicago firefighters. Much of the filming took place at the Chinatown Fire Station, located right across the street from the ornamental gateway to Wentworth Avenue, Chinatown's main drag that's filled with shops and restaurants.

One of only seven in the world and the only one in North America, the Baha'i House of Worship is the largest and oldest surviving Baha'i Temple. Standing on the shores of Lake Michigan, the auditorium, with its walls of lace-like ornamentation and its dome rising 135 feet above the main floor, offers a scene of unsurpassed beauty. It is surrounded by exquisite gardens and fountains. This imposing and dramatic structure has received numerous design awards, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Bank of America Theatre opened in 1906 originally as the Majestic Theatre in downtown Chicago. The theater has gone through a couple of different name changes including recently the LaSalle Bank Theatre, and the Sam Shubert Theatre before that. The Bank of America Theatre box office has been host to many traveling Broadway shows and events since it's most recent renovation in 2006.

The original comedy and its sequel concerns a Chicago man who inherits his father's struggling South Side barbershop, then tries to buy it back from a local loan shark while trying to stave off competition from a barbershop chain when he realizes its importance to the community. Several scenes were shot at the intersection of East 79th and Exchange streets on the South Side of Chicago.

The dark superhero returns in this larger-than-life adventure flick about how Bruce Wayne became Batman. The thrilling Batmobile chase scenes were shot on the maze of streets that make up lower Wacker Drive.

An incredible selection of beads and beading supplies in a charming shop with knowledgeable staff. Everything for the beginner to the expert -- new and vintage beads, charms, chain, wire, findings, stringing materials and books. Beaded jewelry repair. Special events include birthday parties, celebrations for adults, classes, and activities for youth groups. Visit website for details.

Big Shot is an upscale Restaurant & Piano Bar. A cozy place to meet, eat, and drink while listening and interacting with talented musicians. From the warm atmosphere to the variety of enticing menu items, this intimate spot will showcase live talent every night. The extremely friendly restaurant will invite its patrons to participate and sing along with new songs performed by talented professionals. This will definitely be a place to start and end an evening.

This museum located on the campus of Wheaton College is devoted to the history of Christian evangelism and its influences on society. View rare artifacts, art and displays that include a powerful 3-D presentation of the gospel message.

Blue Chicago is located near Ontario street’s restaurant row. Chicago's best blues artist star in this safe and friendly club. It is popular with blues fans all over the world. The low cover charge is good for admission to both Blue Chicago locations.

The Blue Man Group features three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else.

Tour Chicago on a cool cruiser-style bicycle and follow a guide who makes brief stops at the most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained. Some fun rides include the Lakefront Neighborhoods Tour, Bikes, Bites and Brews Tour, and the Southside Gangster Tour.

Brandos Speakeasy, the Chicago Loop bar in the historic South Loop, is where everyone wants to be. Once you enter Brando’s Speakeasy, which is a landmark status building, you will be impressed and welcomed with the intimate, warm, feeling you get from the staff as well as the patrons.

Enjoy beer samplings, specially prepared appetizers and meet guest Brewmasters from Lagunitas Bewing Company on this 90-minute lake Cruise. Cash bar also available. Shoreline Brew Cruises depart Gateway Park at Navy Pier at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays June 20, July 11 and August 8. Must be 21. Information on website or 312-222-9328

Get creative at this crafter's paradise! Beads from around the world, unique rubber stamps & papers, Ranger inks, paints, and stamp pads. Sit at our "crystal bar" and work on your projects. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. Classes for all skill levels. Parties are our specialty! Birthdays, bridesmaids, "girls night out" -- we do them all. Come take a look!

Broadway In Chicago presents the hottest shows in Chicago's bustling Downtown Theater District. On the stages of the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Bank of America Theatre, Auditorium Theatre and Broadway Playhouse, you will discover theater productions direct from Broadway, along with world premieres.

Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place is operated by Broadway In Chicago, a Nederlander Presentation. Located at Water Tower Place in Chicago, Illinois, it was formerly known as Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place.

Visitors can enjoy a dazzling music, light and water show at the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world. Located at Columbus Drive, shows runs from dusk to 11pm every hour and lasts for 20 minutes. Operates April through mid-October.

Owned by legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy, Legends exemplifies and electrifies the best of Chicago blues, seven nights a week. Here you’ll find an amazing collection of blues memorabilia, a great Cajun menu and maybe even Buddy himself on stage.

This venue was completely restored and renovated during 1999, named the Cadillac Palace. the Cadillac palace has been the home to several pre-Broadway hits including "The Producers—The New Mel Brooks Musical" and "Mamma Mia!" in 2001.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Set among mature oak and hickory trees, lakes & streams, this full-service event facility with 27 holes of golf offers both 18 and 9-hole play and is nationally recognized as one of the best public courses in America. Cantigny Golf is a part of the McCormick Foundation, committed to making life better for our children, communities and country. As one of the nation’s largest public charities, we’ve granted more than $1 billion to organizations in local communities across the country. The golf course is part of the historic 500-acre Cantigny Park, where memorable family experiences happen. The grounds include museums, formal gardens and picnic areas.

Carson Pirie Scott & Company’s former flagship store, designed by Louis H. Sullivan (1856-1924) was also built in stages, beginning in 1899, 1903, augmented by an addition by D. H. Burnham & Co. in 1906, and ending with a 1961 addition by Holabird and Root. Although Carson’s wide windows and narrow piers are expressive of the internal steel frame, the building is more famous for its exquisite ornament by Sullivan. The embellished storefronts, newly restored decorative cornice, and ornate columns capitals on the interior all bear Sullivan’s personal style of ornament. It was both named a Chicago Landmark and listed in the National Register in 1970. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975.
Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to building and strengthening the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community. Center on Halsted's Community and Cultural team creates and hosts a wide array of fun, interactive and engaging programs enjoyed by members of the entire community. Events range from volleyball games in our gymnasium to dance recitals in our theatre. We host regular receptions showcasing local LGBTQ artists and special events for LGBTQ families and friends.

The Dawes House, a magnificent Chateauesque Mansion overlooking Lake Michigan, was the home of the former United States vice president under Calvin Coolidge and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Charles Gates Dawes.

Designed by Louis Sullivan with assistance from his junior draftsman, Frank Lloyd Wright, the Charnley-Persky House is recognized as a pivotal work of modern American architecture. Docent-led tours of the exterior and interior of the Charnley-Persky House (1891-1892) are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year. The National Historic Landmark building serves as the headquarters of the Society of Architectural Historians. Photos by David Schalliol.

One of Oak Park's finest showplaces, the 12,000 sq. foot, 1913 mansion is located in the Historic District. Reminiscent of a gracious English country home and surrounded by 2 acres of beautiful gardens, a greenhouse and coach house.
It is available for private and corporate event rentals.

Experience Chicago's world renowned architecture with one of 80+ different tours offered by The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF). Explore by boat, foot, bus, bicycle or Segway, and choose from tours such as the Devil in the White City tour, Lights, Camera, Architecture! Tour, the Daniel Burnham Tour and many others. Interested in the boat tour? Only the Chicago Architecture Foundation and Chicago's First Lady Cruises can showcase Chicago's world renowned city architecture with style, class and comfort. Learn more at www.cruisechicago.com. Also offered: FREE exhibitions, programs and workshops, youth education, family programs and an architecture and design-themed retail store. Private tours and group tour rates available. Open daily 9:30-5:00.

Chicago: You Are Here, a permanent exhibition, is free and open to the public daily in the ArcelorMittal CitySpace Gallery from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Designed to encourage visitors to explore the architecture and infrastructure that make up the environment of Chicago, You Are Here includes a scale model of the Loop, along with bold images, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. Temporary, architecture-themed exhibitions throughout the year. Free and open daily. Check website for details. Full schedule of lectures, workshops, special events and presentations at noon, evenings, and weekends throughout the year. Free or low cost. Check website for listings.

The LaSalle Street Financial Corridor is one of the most visually stunning districts in the city. A long canyon of buildings, unlike any other area of Chicago, terminates at the Chicago Board of Trade Building, the 1930 Art Deco masterpiece by Holabird & Root. A sparkling, stainless-steel sculpture of Ceres, the goddess of grain, by John Storrs (1885-1956) caps the composition, visually focusing this whirling financial district on the commodity that enabled so much of Chicago’s growth. The Board of Trade was named a Chicago Landmark in 1977 and listed to the National Register in 1978.
Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

Hands-on exhibits and daily-changing activities make every visit unique for young children and adults, too. Dig deep into the Dinosaur Expedition, try to stay dry in WaterWays, make a masterpiece in the KraftArtabounds Studio, and climb up to the crow's nest on the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner. Toddlers can have fun in Kids Town and Treehouse Trails.

Get an insider’s look at this historic American landmark that has enchanted baseball fans for almost a century. Each 90-minute guided tour shows guests the clubhouses, bleachers, press box, dugout, field, and more.

Chicago's architectural showplace for the lively and visual arts. Daily programs and exhibitions covering a wide range of the performing, visual and literary arts are presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affiars. See the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. It was initially built for dual purposes. It was the city's central library and a monument dedicated to the Civil War's Grand Army of the Republic. Since 1977 the building has housed cultural entities that included galleries, an auditorium, and the city's office of cultural affairs. The building architects are Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.

Experience history and culture through educated commentary and multimedia on iPads while exploring stories and places even locals don't know about. Highly trained guides share forgotten stories from the past on regularly scheduled tours.

Since 1979, the playwright's theatre has devoted all of its resources and programming to developing new plays and nurturing playwrights. Celebrating our 30th year, please join us in creating the theatre of the future.

Take the 3-hour food tasting and cultural walking Chicago tours, which combine delicious food and drink tastings with some serious fun in Chicago’s most delicious, off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, you’ll experience delectable foods from one-of-a-kind specialty food stores and ethnic eateries while receiving an insiders view into the culture, history and architecture that defines the Windy City. Walk away with new culinary perspectives, big smiles, satisfied taste buds and the confidence to continue exploring the areas where locals live.

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) creates musical experiences that entertain and enlighten, inspire change, and build community. CGMC has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities since 1983. For the last three decades, CGMC has entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming and features an active membership of over 200 singers. Among CGMC’s performances are traditional choral concerts, musical revues, original commissions, and full-length book musicals.